Meals that Flex

College is a great place to meet new people, make new friends, explore yourself, and explore new FOODS. YES, FOODS! Sorry for all caps, but I cannot stress enough how much tasty food I’ve had since I’ve been here.

First off, I live in Catlett Hall which has a ‘Marketplace’ (dining hall). This Marketplace has a huge variety of food every day, whether that be ranging from a Yellow Curry Thai Chicken Wrap or the Omelet Bar, I am sure you can touch all ends of the ‘food spectrum’ at your time in the Catlett Marketplace. I always know that when I leave, I am satisfied and stuffed.

Marketplace food is tasty, as I have already stated, but there are times when I feel that I have to switch it up a bit. Enter Flex Meals.

When you choose your meal-plan, you also have a number of Flex Meals that you are able to use. What are Flex Meals? They are pretty much the same as meal swipes, but they can be used at many different locations. Some of the locations that accept Flex Meals are The River Room in the IMU, Food for Thought in the Main Library, and the StreetHawk Food Truck, which is my personal favorite.

In The River Room, there are many options such as pasta and stir-fry. This dining option is a good one if you aren’t in a hurry to get to class or a meeting. The food takes time, but boy oh boy, is it worth it. I had some pasta smothered in Alfredo sauce with a side of a banana and a bottle of water. The food is just half of it. The dining area of The River Room is located right next to the Iowa River. Whether you want to enjoy the view from the inside or take advantage of the patio seating, take the view in with the food!

Food for Thought is just a clever name for a café in a library. When I imagine a library, I see books and hear ‘shushes’. You know what I don’t see? You guessed it, food. The neat little café offers ready-to-go meals, fruit, bottled drinks, and some sweets as well. I have taken advantage of it multiple times. Sometimes I don’t feel too confident on the assignment I am working on, so I bought a cookie and a water and I have to say that it helped me push through. Maybe it is just living up to its name. Food for Thought is a smart move. Ha, I’m funny.

I saved the best for last. The Street Hawk Food Truck is one of a kind. The Street Hawk varies location, depending on the day. Monday and Friday, it is located on the T. Anne Cleary Walkway. Tuesday and Thursday, it is posted up right next to the Main Library. Wednesday, it is at Mayflower Hall. This option takes a little time, but it is worth every minute (and Flex Meal). I always get the BBQ Bacon Burger. Man, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. My choice of sides are an apple and a cookie (I like cookies if you couldn’t tell already). I sit on the T. Anne Cleary Walkway and devour this burger masterpiece. If I said that I eat with a little class, I’d be lying. It is usually a mess, but a mess I don’t mind.

There are many more options across campus that allow you to use Flex Meals. I HIGHLY suggest that you use them wisely. They aren’t unlimited, so make sure you make those meals count. I should probably start working out a little more with all the food I’ve eaten. Wait, it’s lunch time. Maybe after lunch.

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